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Community Development Projects

A Planning Tool for Sustaining and Improving the Health of Saginaw Bay’s Coastal Habitat

Watershed Wide

CD

June 2005 - This project, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, developed a planning methodology for enhancing and conserving the ecological health of coastal habitat areas along wetland types as well as increase community awareness of the importance of sustaining the ecological health of coastal habitats to human and wildlife populations.

All Bird Planning for Spring Stopover Sites in the Saginaw Bay Watershed

Watershed Wide

CD

October 2004 - This project identified important habitats that are needed by migrating birds in our region. To promote science based identification and planning of critical spring stop over sites, this grant supported the necessary literature review and interviews of recognized experts to produce an annotated bibliography and summary list of attributes for all bird groups; and developed the spatial, landscape level targeting map for habitat conservation and protection of critical spring stopover habitat.

Arenac Conservation District “Tree for a Tire Day”

Arenac

CD

November 2006 - The Arenac County Conservation District proposed a tire recycling day. There was no active tire recycling program in the County and old tires were typically burned, stacked up in back yards, or disposed of on state land. The District traded a tree seedling for each tire that was delivered to the recycling site. The goal was to recycle 2,050 tires. WIN funding supported the charges associated with trailers that will be used to transport the tires to First Class Tire Shredders Inc.

Averill Preserve Wetland Construction

Midland

CD, WM

June 2005 - The Averill Nature Preserve is a 73 acre site that is situated between the Tittabawassee River and the Pere Marquette Trail in Midland County. An existing drain that passes through the property drains a much larger watershed above the Averill preserve. The drain was inadequately sized to handle the flow, and had cracked – allowing most of the water to miss the drain completely, eroding land around the drain. The Little Forks Conservancy used WIN funding to construct a unique four-cell wetland to eliminate the need for the compromised drain, maintain stormwater conveyance, and serve as a polishing basin during storm events. These wetland cells include native plantings and habitat components, and serve as an education facility for this innovative stormwater management alternative.

Bay-Zilwaukee Trail

Bay, Saginaw

CD

November 2008 - This project, sponsored by the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, contemplates the acquisition of more than six miles of abandoned railway for the purpose of providing a connection between current and proposed non motorized/railtrail systems in Bay City and Saginaw. This WIN investment will be used as a match to leverage approximately $200,000 that has been made available by the Michigan Department of Transportation. This route has been identified as a critical link in the WIN funded “Vision of Green” report that developed the plan for a three-county connected non-motorized link.

Birding Platforms

Bay, Shiawassee

CD

November 1997 - This funding was provided to improve birding facilities in the watershed. Two new platforms were to be constructed and the existing platform at Nayanquing Point was to be improved. The improvements at Nayanquing Point were completed in 1998. The new platforms were to be located at the Crow Island State Game Area and in Tobico Marsh at the Bay City State Recreation Area. The Tobico Marsh platform is discussed below. The Birding Task Group encountered difficulties at Crow Island because of concerns raised by the Saginaw County Road Commission and by Consumers Energy Corporation due to road and utility right of ways. The Task Group received permission to use the $6,000 provided for the Crow Island platform for a platform at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. That platform was completed in the Winter of 1998.

May 2006 - The Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas II is a statewide project to document and survey the state’s breeding birds. The atlas documents nesting distribution, abundance and habitat use of endangered species. The project identified at the section level, the unique habitats or assemblages of bird species for use in conservation and management decisions. This project supported the work to document birds in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. In addition to assisting in the funding of the final state wide report this WIN investment also allowed the Kalamazoo Nature Center to publish and distribute an appendix report that focused specifically on the Saginaw Bay region. A local planning team will guide that part of the effort to ensure that the best available data is produced so that local management decisions can be made by agency and nonprofit resource management group.

Cass River Greenways Project

Saginaw, Tuscola

CD

June 2009 - The Cass River Greenways Committee is working on many implementation projects based, in large part, on the WIN-funded “Vision of Green” report from 2003. One of those projects includes the development of a “water trail” and access sites along the Cass River at Vassar, Tuscola Township, and the City of
Frankenmuth. These access sites will be on public property and will provide parking, restrooms, picnic facilities, and interpretive and wayfinding signage. All three communities have been working together to develop the plans for the water trail.

Chippewa River Trail Map and Signage Project

Isabella

CD

December 2010 -
Mt. Pleasant’s Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is proposing this project to promote key recreational and economic resources in Mid-Michigan, with a primary focus on natural resource-based attributes. The project builds on an effort funded by the BACF Saginaw Bay Fund that will be producing camera-ready artwork for a water trail map for the Chippewa River and “entering Chippewa River Watershed” street signage (similar to WIN-supported efforts on the Kawkawlin River and Cedar River). The proposed WIN funding will support, in part, the printing of the map, as well as add water trail signage, and a web-based map hosted by Isabella County. The project is administered by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy and is overseen by a multi-disciplinary team of watershed stakeholders including local governments, the Chippewa Tribe, the Isabella Conservation District and others.

Chippewa River Universal Canoe / Kayak Sites

Midland

CD

June 2009 -
This project involves a WIN investment in the development of two universally-accessible canoe/kayak sites
on the Chippewa River (one at Manitou Park, and the other at the Chippewa Cabin) in Midland County. This
effort is part of the “Access to Recreation” program sponsored by the Midland Area Community Foundation
and other partners that also included a 1/4 mile barrier free trail and river overlook at the West Midland
Family Center, as well as a universally-accessible spray park at the Midland Community Center – both of
which have been completed.

Connecting Michigan: Planning for the Future of Michigan’s Trailway System

Watershed Wide

CD

November 2005 - This project convened trail groups from throughout the state to discuss and evaluate the potential for a state-wide trail network, as well as develop a statewide trail database and website. The project incorporated information from several previously funded WIN projects, including the Saginaw Bay Greenways Collaborative project and the GLS Greenlinks program. This project also identified and cataloged trail opportunities for the 16 counties that had not yet been mapped in the Saginaw Bay Watershed.

Creating a Sustainable Region through an Investment in Children

Saginaw

CD

November 2007 - This project, proposed by the new Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, requested funding to assist with the construction of the exhibit space component of the museum. In particular, the request was for exhibits that most closely align with WIN’s mission and objectives: Water, Water, Everwhere, Aunt Sugar’s Farm and Night ‘n’ Day. It was the desire of the Museum to incorporate “sustainable’ concepts into the displays as much as possible. They also invited Win representatives to assist in the development of the education programming that will be an integral part of the museum’s operations.

Demonstrate Effectiveness of Biodegradable Two-Cycle Engine Oil

Huron

CD

May 1999 - IF have secured a patent on a soy-based oil that can be used instead of petroleum-based oil in jet skis, outboard motors, snowmobiles, and other engines. The soy-based oil is environmentally preferable to traditional oil because it is 96% biodegradable, and does not emit pollutants into the air and water. The product also will provide a value-added product for Michigan’s soybean farmers. IF will used WIN funds to field test the oil to demonstrate to the market that it is safe for engines and performs well, and to document reductions in emissions into the environment. IF raised $70,000 to fund the overall project.

Dr. Eugene Kenaga Observation Tower

Midland

CD

May 2008 - In late 2008, the Chippewa Nature Center in Midland broke ground on a major renovation and expansion of its facility. Major pieces of the expansion included new exhibit space, parking areas, classrooms, and office space. As part of the renovation, the facility became one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified facilities in the region. A major component of the project was a storm-water management system that incorporated a cistern and collection system to slow and cool water runoff from the facility before it is drained off to the Chippewa River. The cistern system will be incorporated in the Dr. Eugene Kenaga Observation Tower, which will also be used as an education exhibit for both observing nature, and rainwater collection.

Earth Tunnel

Midland

CD

June 1999 - WIN provided funding in two installments for this project. The Earth Tunnel was completed in April 1999, and had its public ‘debut’ at Midland’s Earth Expo at the Midland Civic Arena on April 24, 1999. This mobile, “walk through” display is designed to educate children and adults about the connection between soil and everyday life. Side panels highlight conservation practices used to insure a healthier environment, demonstrate the usefulness of natural habitat in relationship to farming, and explain how vegetables are grown. The Tunnel is available for school programs, fairs, mall exhibits and other displays around the watershed. Funding from The Dow Chemical Company Foundation allowed the Soil and Water Conservation District to purchase a trailer to store and transport the Earth Tunnel. The District charges users $25.00 for each day they display the Tunnel. The charge covers insurance and maintenance on the Tunnel. Users also make a deposit to cover any damage to the Tunnel. The Tunnel was displayed at a recent meeting of the Agriculture/Pollution Prevention Task Group, and was very well received. The District raised more than $15,000 to match WIN’s grant.

Eco-tourism and Environmental Education in Michiganâ€™s Gateway to the North

Clare

CD

October 2004 - This project supported the Clare County Board of Commissioners and Clare County MSU-Extension in their endeavor to develop recreational and eco-tourism programming in Clare County. Specifically, this project identified, data based, mapped, marked with new signage and market natural and recreational resources and eco-tourism routes. In addition, this project updated and distributed information about outdoor, leisure, eco-tourism, environmental education and recreation events and activities via a web page, newspaper and other media. Finally, this project provided new recreational/environmental education activities to youth in their own communities through an innovative “roving leader” program using Central Michigan University Recreation Program interns.

Edenville Village Trails and Tittabawassee River Landing

Midland

CD

December 2011 -
This project includes the development of a multi-use park in Midland County’s Edenville Township. This development includes a river observation deck, fishing pier and boat launch, improved parking area and a trail connecting this site to the adjacent township park. While situated on the Tittabawassee River, Edenville has very few publicly accessible sites, and none of them are developed or suitable for recreation purposes. Park site overlooks an area of the river that has been historically popular for boaters and swimmers. This project will allow them to access the township park and associated facilities, as well as use the trail to connect them to the center of the village.

October 2004 - This project developed and installed interpretive signage along existing trails at this public access point, as well as developed an associated outdoor education curriculum appropriate for elementary, middle and high school students who wish to use this 37 acre site along the Saginaw River. Funds were used, in part, to hire a student majoring in education at Saginaw Valley State University to develop a site-specific curriculum that meets both Great Lakes ecosystem and fisheries education literacy goals as designated in the Michigan Curriculum Framework content Standards and Benchmarks.

Essexville Smith Park Improvements

Bay

CD

December 2012 -
This project includes WIN support for improvements at Essexville’s Smith Park – located along the Saginaw River. This project is part of significant renovations at the facility that will include reconstruction of existing seawall and walkway, construction of a new fishing platform, a new ADA-compliant dock at the boat launch, as well as interpretive signage. This WIN grant matches local funidng and meets the task group goals of increasing access to water resources, promotion of the fishery, and education among other goals. This is Essexville’s only publicly accessible site on the Saginaw River.

Expressions of Learning

Watershed Wide

CD

November 2006 - The “Just a Drop of Water” curriculum is part of the National Literacy Through Photography project and was implemented by the University of Michigan – Flint. Addressing writing and literacy, the project uses photography to stimulate basic learning skills, particularly reading, writing and verbal communication. This project focused on water issues and water conservation. The University partnered with two schools – one urban and one rural to kick off this program. U-M Flint was the first site in Michigan to host this unique curriculum.

Fish Point Interpretive Trail

Tuscola

CD, LM

This project built upon previous WIN-supported projects at the Fish Point State Game Area including a wildlife/waterfowl observation tower and a wetland restoration project. This proposal supported the re-establishment of an existing, but unimproved, trail that provides educational opportunities about the resources available in the State Game Area, as well as highlights the sustainable concepts that the conservation of these areas promote. Fundamental to the trail improvements was the development of an information kiosk and signage placement along the trail network, along with improvement to the trail bed itself.

Fisheries Scoping Study

Watershed Wide

CD

November 1998 - Shortly after it was organized in late summer 1998, the WRTG identified fishery enhancement as a primary area of initial focus for its work. The WRTG wished to identify areas where it could target its time and resources to make a tangible difference in the quality and public perception of water resources in The Saginaw Bay Watershed. The WRTG asked The Conservation Fund to perform a scoping study to help it develop a practical, broad-based understanding of public perceptions about fisheries in the watershed and the status of those fisheries. The study also identified an array of appropriate project opportunities for WIN and new WIN partners. The WRTG has begun tapping those opportunities and working with new partners. A final report on the Fisheries Scoping Study was submitted to the Bay Area Community Foundation on August 25, 1999.

Flint Agricultural Community and Economic Development Project

Genesee

CD

May 2006 - Urban Community Youth Outreach (UCYO) provides food to needy families, and education to young children about natural resources and resource management. With funding from community based grants, the USDA Department of Agriculture, private foundations, and the Michigan Department of Justice, UCYO began the community garden project in 1998. As part of this program, youth grow vegetables on approximately two acres at a community garden that is located on Philadelphia Avenue between Seby and Horton Streets in downtown Flint. This project requested support for the development of a flex-fueled greenhouse to allow year-round gardening operations, as well as support for continuing education.

Flint River Watershed Public Education Project

Genesee, Lapeer

CD, WM

October 2001 - The FRWC wished to begin a public education program within the Flint River basin. This project helped them raise the awareness of residents through public service announcements, newsletters, developing a presentation to be used by a speaker’s bureau, and a traveling display. A storm drain stenciling program was also developed. The project seeked to raise the awareness about protecting watersheds and improving water quality.
Genesee and Lapeer Counties

November 2005 - This is the expansion of a successful 2004 WIN grant that supported an urban garding project in Saginaw County, primarily in the inner-city area. The project offered a mini-grant opportunity for up to 10 counties in the Saginaw Bay Region for the purpose of developing urban gardens.

Frankenmuth Canoe Sites

Saginaw

CD

April 2000 - This project will promotes the use of the Cass River by providing canoe put-in and take-out sites in the City of Frankenmuth and at Lyle Park in Bridgeport Township. Both access sites meet ADA requirements and have WIN signage. In addition, the Lyle Park site will have a floating dock. The project is designed to promote tourism and provide access to some previously inaccessible natural areas.

Frankenmuth Fish Passage Project for the Cass River Dam

Saginaw

CD, LM

May 2006 - Fish Wish is the capital improvement project designed to modify the Frankenmuth dam, enabling fish passage on the Cass River. The Cass River is a tributary of the Saginaw River and part of the Saginaw Bay Watershed. The fish passage project, located at the base of the Frankenmuth dam, places rock material immediately downstream of the dam. This ramp creates a gradual slope known as a rock ramp. The design does not require a separate bypass around the dam for fish passage and include naturalistic features with the use of rock materials. The rock ramp allows non-jumping fish to pass through notches within the rock/weir structures. Variable flow can occur around the rocks and boulders placed in the river, allowing fish of various sizes to find areas of passable velocity. The rock ramp not only facilitates fish passage but also has great aesthetic and recreational appeal, critical to the tourism economy of Frankenmuth. The Frankenmuth Dam was identified as being one of the three high priority fish passage project by the WIN funded study entitled “Fish Passage at Low-Head Barrier Dams in the Saginaw River Watershed” by Public Sector Consultants. Fish passage at this site allows fish spawning in approximately 73 miles of that river that was currently unavailable.

Genesee County Land Bank Clean and Green Program

Genesee

CD

May 2007 - The Genesee County Land Bank (GCLB) assembles tax-reverted land for transfer to adjacent homeowners, develops long and short-term green spaces, and assembles land for new housing and commercial development. The objective is to restore the integrity of the community by removing dilapidated structures and redeveloping abandoned properties. The Land Bank encourages re-use of more than 4,000 residential, commercial, and industrial properties that it has acquired through the tax foreclosure process. The Clean and Green Program works with community groups to support the maintenance of these reverted properties and prepare them for productive use. The “adopt a lot” process provides small grants to established neighborhood groups to assist in the maintenance of these properties. WIN funding expanded this effort beyond simple maintenance and into innovative demonstration projects such as phytoremediation, vegetable gardens, rain gardens, tree nursery, and turf alternatives.

Habitat Protection Plan

Watershed Wide

CD

November 1999 - Project partners developed an integrated Habitat Protection Plan that coordinates and leverages the efforts of the entities working in the watershed, identify priority habitat areas and recommend sample projects.

Hampton School Rain Garden

Bay

CD, WM

May 2007 - Students at Bay City’s Hampton Elementary have developed a “rain garden” on low lying property at their elementary school. Designed to reduce runoff from the school grounds, as well as filter pollutants from the water, the rain garden will serve as an important demonstration of on-site water quality management and green development in a very visible location. A local architect and a landscape architecture firm consulted on this project.

Highway Borrow Pit Restoration and Enhancement Demonstration

Bay

CD, LM

Abandoned highway borrow pits are common throughout the region. Most fall into public ownership and are only marginally suitable for public recreation purposes or wildlife habitat. The Cody-Estey Road pit in Bay County has been selected as a pilot borrow pit restoration site. This demonstration showed how borrow pit areas can be metamorphosed into productive habitat areas for fish and wildlife as well as be aesthetically pleasing areas for public recreation. This project established a gated parking area, completed brush clearing, excavated shallow water areas, established an access drive, and re-vegetated the grassland and provides shrub plantings. A sign that describes the demonstration and recognizes sponsors was erected at the site.

Iosco County Gateway Composting Project

Iosco

CD

November 2000 - The Iosco County Soil & Water Conservation District developed this project to demonstrate the proper and effective use of composting both in a rural (manure) and urban (yard waste) setting. The project provides for the use of a large, tractor-pulled, wind-row compost turner to 6 agricultural producers and municipalities at a reduced rate to demonstrate the effective and proper use of the equipment. The project identified the many benefits of composting, versus the comparatively higher cost of hauling and spreading the material at an off-site location or landfill. Ultimately, composted material can be used as a fertilizer or as topsoil. A second part of the project will include a composting seminar that will focus on individual and urban landowners and residents. The backyard composting seminar was designed to promote home-based use of composting. Finally, a Composting Fall Tour was held to demonstrate both small, backyard composting techniques and larger-scale, machine turned windrow composting to local officials and the public.

Local Provenance Encouragement Project

Saginaw

CD

May 1999 - SVSU demonstrated that native plants are an attractive, low maintenance, environmentally preferable alternative to traditional landscaping. SVSU, working in partnership with staff from Dow Gardens, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and local nurseries established model gardens to educate residents and visitors about the economic, environmental and aesthetic benefits of native plants. The plantings also serve as a seed source for plantings elsewhere, and showcase plants indigenous to watershed prior to 1800s and of local provenance.

Loop Park Urban Erosion Control

Shiawassee

CD, LC, WM

May 2001 - The City of Owosso’s Loop Park is a riverside park located along the Shiawassee River near downtown. The stream bank along Loop Park was highly eroded, and water quality was poor because of suspected pathogen and nutrient influences of highly concentrated waterfowl. This project intended to correct environmental problems, while giving community training in soft engineering using natural restoration techniques including soil bioengineering, increasing recreational capabilities and appreciation of the river, and allowing natural restoration to serve as an ongoing educational tool for the rest of the region. Included in this project was interpretive signage and native plantings.

April 2000 - This project involved removing the deteriorating mill pond dam structure in the City of Mt. Pleasant. The dam was removed and the remaining rubble was utilized to fill holes and stabilize the banks and shoreline downstream from the site. The dam removal reestablished fish passage and habitat that had been fragmented for years, allowing unrestricted water and fish passage from the Dow Dam in Midland to the upper reaches of the river in Mecosta and Osceola Counties. The dam removal was part of a $2.1 million multi-use, barrier-free trail and park improvement project that will connect five City parks along the Chippewa River corridor. The plan included the creation of an arched pedestrian bridge, canoe landings, fishing and observation decks, wetland construction and improvements, and an information center. Park development partners include the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, Chippewa Valley Audubon Club, Boy Scouts, Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and Central Michigan University.

Nayanquing Point East Marsh Enhancement Phase 3

Bay

CD, LM, WM

This project was the third and final phase of a plan to enhance the Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area’s (near Linwood) 298-acre East Marsh for wildlife habitat and public use. The phase 3 program involved the installation of screw down flap gates on the two existing 36” tubes through the dike at the East Marsh. The addition of these gates allows water levels to fluctuate naturally with the level of Saginaw Bay, while at the same time allows for the containment of water in the unit during low water, or expected low water conditions.

Ogemaw Storm water Management Project

Ogemaw

CD

June 2005 - Proposed by the Huron Pines Resource Conservation and Development Area, the project addressed the effects of non-point source pollution and storm water runoff from the City of West Branch and the surrounding area on the Rifle River. This project contemplated the implementation of an outreach program/education campaign coordinated through the local conservation district, the completion of an engineering study to estimate pollutant loading and provide Best Management Practice recommendations, and present a final summary to local government and interest groups. This project also included an innovative “voluntary” certification program that highlighted local success stories.

Outdoor Writers Tour of the Saginaw Bay Area

Watershed Wide

CD

May 1999 - The CVBs partnered to promote the watershed’s outdoor attractions to outdoor writers visiting the area for a national In Fisherman walleye tournament. The tournament was held August 4-6, 1999. The writers’ tour was held July 30 – August 6. The CVBs developed a targeted list of writers and a package of materials about the watershed’s attractions. By exposing a cross section of writers to the watershed’s amenities, the CVBs can generate stories in credible national and regional media about the Saginaw Bay area and the watershed.

Place Based Blended Learning

Watershed Wide

CD

December 2010 - This project, sponsored by University of Michigan – Flint intends to fund the development of a series of on-line short courses focused on improving the capacity of schools (particular focus on urban schools) to conduct place-based education. Place-based education promotes learning that is rooted in local, unique history, environment, culture etc… that is in a student’s own place or immediate geographic location. This project is a part of an ongoing effort at U-M Flint that partners the university with the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative in a 10-year program to promote and address urban environmental stewardship needs. The online course will focus on sustainability – the relationship of the environment, community, and economy – and will offer continuing education credits through UM-Flint for successful completion of the courses.

Port Austin Farmers Market

Huron

CD

May 2006 - This project focused on strengthening the economic and tourism sectors of the community of Port Austin by requesting WIN investment in their new Farmers Market. The proposed sought funding to purchase umbrellas, tents, advertising, and traffic control toosl to help expand the market and to provide for ta more customer friendly experience.

Potential Conservation Area Analysis for Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee Counties

Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee

CD

November 2005 - Using a science-based approach to identify “potention conservation areas”, the projected prioritized those important places in Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee counties that, with proper management, will have their ecological integrity maintained. The primary audience for this project was conservation organizations, so that they can more effectively and efficiently identify and protect sites of imiportant ecological integrity. This project was an additional component of the previously WIN – funded GLS Greenlinks project.

Promoting Healthy Choices of Fish Consumption from the Saginaw, Shiawassee and Tittabawassee Rivers

Saginaw, Shiawassee

CD

May 2004 - This project studied and developed informational materials related to contamination of edible fishes in these rivers. It comes from a point of view that eating fish is healthy and desirable, but people should understand what type of fish should be eaten, and where those fish can be caught. The project identified choices made by local fish and wildlife harvesters along these rivers including amount, type, and frequency of fish and wildlife consumption from the Saginaw, Shiawassee, and Tittabawassee Rivers; with emphasis on documenting subsistence, cultural or low-income users dependent on the rivers for high quality protein, conduct discussions with community groups to identify citizen needs and opportunities to communicate with citizens that may consume fish and wildlife from the river, develop outreach products that promote healthy local fish and wildlife consumption choices, reducing exposure to PBT chemicals.

Public Access Point for Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Shiawassee

CD, LC

October 2004 - This project developed a formerly unimproved and informal boat launching facility into a multi-purpose public access point for the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Improvements included a new boat launch and associated demonstration of new bank stabilization techniques to prevent further erosion, as well as a fishing access site.

Raptor Housing Project

Watershed Wide

CD

April 2000 - The Wildlife Recovery Association (WRA) offers programs that promote interest in wildlife and participate in wildlife events at various nature centers, businesses and outdoor events. This particular project focused on their Birds of Prey program and funded the repair of the housing used for these birds that were built 25 years ago. The cages funded by this grant will helped WRA reach more than 20,000 people each year with quality, award winning programs.

Regional Marketing (of watershed to bird watchers)

Watershed Wide

CD

November 1997 - This project was developed to improve awareness of birding opportunities in the Saginaw Bay Watershed, and to insure that the region receives its share of the $521 million spent on bird watching in Michigan each year. A regional birding brochure was developed and sent to members of the American Birders Association throughout the Great Lakes states and in Texas, was distributed to Michigan Welcome Centers, and provided to local convention and visitors’ bureaus and businesses that serve birders. WIN member Ron Weeks developed a website that promotes birding in the watershed. The address of the site is www.saginawbaybirding.org. The website is now maintained by an avid birder from Bay City. The final element of the marketing campaign is the development and placement of advertisements in key birding magazines. WIN’s new Marketing Task Group has developed and placed the advertisements in the spring, summer and winter 2000 issues of Bird Watchers Digest, Birder’s World and WildBird.

Ringwood Forest Park Canoe Trail

Saginaw

CD, LC, LM, WM

May 1999 - One of the recommendations of the Fisheries Scoping Study was to improve small boat access on the watershed’s rivers. This project did that. The Friends of the Bad River removed snags and blockages from the south branch of the Bad River between Ringwood County Park and St. Charles River Park. Some of the downed trees were cabled to the banks to stabilize the river; the rest were removed. The snags diverted the river from its natural course, exacerbating bank erosion. They also blocked small boat access. Removing the snags opened river for small boats, restored the river’s natural course, enhanced fish habitat, and helped prevent future bank erosion.
Saginaw County

River Cleanup 2000

Midland

CD, WM

This project funded a river cleanup along 4 miles of the Chippewa River and along 2 miles of the Pine River in Midland County. Recent river inventories had detailed a need for a cleanup of unwanted items in the path of the river. Observations of tires, old appliances, trash cans, bottles, cans, and other rubbish were common in this area. The cleanup was be held in conjunction with Midland River Day on July 22, 2000.

Rose City Stormwater Management and Rifle River Access

Ogemaw

CD

December 2012 -
The project incorporates two distinct, but related projects both aimed at restoring and protecting the headwaters of the Rifle River – an important tributary of Saginaw Bay. The first part of the project includes the development of a stormwater assessment for Rose City, a rural community in Ogemaw County situated along Houghton Creek, a key tributary of the Rifle. Along with that assessment, two implementation projects will occur at already identified runoff sites and will include community constructed rain gardens. The second part of the project will include the development of interpretive signage at heavily used access sites along the river, as well as road signage similar to those funded by WIN at Kawkawlin, Cedar, and the Chippewa River watersheds.

Saginaw Bay Agriculture Marketing & Development Network

Watershed Wide

CD

October 2001 - MSU is exploring the opportunity to develop a cross-discipline team of individuals that could assist producers in developing new networks, strategies and market opportunities for their products. The projects picked up on the need for expertise in areas of value-added production and niche markets, along with a diversification in farm produce that can help to make farming a more profitable endeavor. MSU developed a strategic network of individuals (including MSU Extension agents, economic development, leaders, and local lenders) who might be able to provide the needed business expertise to bring new, creative, and innovative products to the market.

Saginaw Bay Environmental Education Center

Bay

CD

May 2008 - This project, sponsored by BaySail, will fund the development of a zero stormwater runoff facility as a permanent home for the Appledore Schooners. The main features of the project are a 2500 sq ft intensive green roof, a porous concrete and previous grass school bus irrigation system, and native species landscaping.

Saginaw Bay Great Lakes Water Quality Issues Booth

Bay, Midland, Saginaw

CD, WM

May 2006 - The issues booth promotes public awareness and understanding of the Saginaw Bay and Great Lakes water quality by demonstrating how individual actions impact the freshwater system of our region. The project seeks to affect the behavior of individuals by educating them about the importance of their actions, to contribute to a broader education effort that seeks to bring about a cultural shift in attitude toward environmental stewardship, and to promise the Saginaw Bay region throughout the Great Lakes Basin as a tourism destination and opportunity,

Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Forum (Phase 2)

Watershed Wide

CD

October 2001 - This proposal is a request for second year funding of a three-year project to develop the Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Partnership. The first year of the program has resulted in the successful creation of a sustainable business organization and an interim board of directors composed of charter members. The second year funding is to create technical work groups composed of member companies to develop guidance and implementation tools on sustainable purchasing, environmental management systems and green facility operation.

Saginaw Bay Sustainable Business Partnership

Watershed Wide

CD

April 2000 - Sustainability is an emerging business trend that is quickly moving from the fringes of strategic planning into the core operations of many international corporations. The adoption of this strategy is being accelerated by global companies that are seeking ways to increase value to their shareholders and other stakeholders in an increasingly multicultural, international marketplace. These companies are often looking for ways to dramatically increase resource efficiencies in a world of finite supplies of raw material and exploding consumer demand. They are discovering that by integrating environmentally sustainable principles of commerce into their strategic planning and operations, enormous opportunities are emerging to reduce negative environmental impacts at the local and global level, improve health and safety conditions for their workers, and improve their profitability. This project seeks to build on this global phenomenon by developing the local infrastructure necessary to help businesses in the Saginaw Bay Watershed incorporate environmentally sustainable business practices. The project will achieve this goal by developing a network of businesses and other interested stakeholders into a formal partnership.

This project, sponsored by Saginaw Valley State University, intends to fund the development of a native planting preserve on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University. This preserve will include plants, signage and walking trails. The intent of the project is to both encourage the use of native plantings in the general public, and also serve as a demonstration / research site at the university.

Saginaw Bay WIN Outdoor Education Partnership

Watershed Wide

CD

May 2004 - This project supported the joint administration (U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited – Great Lakes) of a project designed to restore wetland and grassland habitats as outdoor classrooms on elementary, middle, and high school lands in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. This project intends to develop 5 to 10 educational facilities, as well as provide associated supplies (binoculars, dip nets, text materials) that will assist in interpretation of the educational areas, as well as discuss sustainable concepts and why wildlife habitat conservation and appreciation is an important component of the educational process.

Saginaw Bay WIN “Green Village” at the Tall Ships Celebration

Bay

CD

December 2009 - The 2010 Tall Ship Celebration in Bay City marks the only Michigan stop of the Tall Ship Challenge in 2010. Anticipating more than 100,000 people coming to visit the event, an economic impact of over $10 million is
anticipated during the course of the fleet’s stay in Bay City. The “Green Village” will be a new, but important, feature at the event and will give visitors a chance to experience eco-friendly products, services, and ideas
that they can use long after the event. Attendees will learn about what local companies and organizations are doing to make our region more sustainable.

Sanford Lake Handicap Accessible Fishing/Viewing Platform

Midland

CD

May 2004 - Based on a need indicated in the 1999 WIN Fisheries Scoping Study, this project provided funding for a public access site and general fisheries information kiosk at a site adjacent to Midland County’s Sanford Lake. The Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division and local sporting groups had identified limited access to this lake as an impediment to the fishery. This project was sponsored by the Village of Sanford.

Shiawassee NWR Wetland Restoration

Shiawassee

CD, LM

June 2009 - This project requested funding to support the restoration of 220 acres at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose of the project is two-fold: to support the improvement of wildlife habitat and associated wetland values, and to also develop a unique educational example of wetland restoration. Because this site will be immediately adjacent to the Refuge’s new auto-tour route, there exists an opportunity to showcase a wetland restoration example to an estimated 30,000 visitors each year. In fact, this restored wetland will be among the first parts of the Refuge seen from the tour route.

Shiawassee River Canoe and Kayak Improvements

Shiawassee

CD

June 2011 -
This project, sponsored by the Friends of the Shiawassee River, was recommended by the WIN Water Resources Task Group because it supports their mission to provide access to water resources. This effort involves an inventory of canoe/kayak sites, and the development of sites (2 in this proposal) that will connect this project to a previously funded WIN effort: “Top of the Shiawassee Signage”. Further, this project includes the development of a plan to connect aquatic and terrestrial trail systems, interpretive signage, and the development of a promotional brochure.

Spray Park with Rain Garden

Bay

CD

June 2009 - This project, sponsored by the Friends of Bay City State Recreation Area, intends to fund the development of a rain garden associated with the construction of a spray park at Bay City State Recreation Area. The
rain garden will use discharge water from the spray park and will filter this water before it is discharged. In addition, the rain garden will provide an educational element for the visitors at the spray park. The spray park will be located within the Bay City State Recreation Area, adjacent to the “Come Play by the Bay” community-built playground.

Sustainable Aquaculture Initiative

Bay

CD

May 2001 - This project studies whether it would be feasible to partner with an existing manufacturer in the Saginaw Bay Watershed (Monitor Sugar) to develop an environmentally sustainable business that utilizes waste heat and water from the beet processing operations. In theory, it is possible to utilize the excess hot water generated from processing operations to support alternative sustainable aquaculture adjacent to the manufacturing facility. In this case, it is surmised that freshwater prawns could be produced. Saginaw Valley State University has developed an interdisciplinary team that will study this proposal to see if, indeed, it would be feasible. It is further anticipated that National Science Foundation Funding would be requested to move beyond the WIN-funded feasibility study, into test-scale operations both on campus at the processing facility in Bay City.

Tawas Point Birding Platforms

Iosco

CD, LM

November 1999 - Construction of six bird viewing platforms in Tawas Point State Park. The platforms protect fragile dune areas and provide sitting and viewing areas for visitors.

Tobico Marsh Birding Platform

Bay

CD

May 1999 - The Friends of the Bay City State Park requested funding to improve bird watching access in Tobico Marsh along the Andersen Trail. The area is popular among birders because it attracts a variety of birds for much of the year. In addition, thousands of school children visit the area each year. The platform will make it easier for all visitors to see birds and wildlife.

Top of the Shiawassee River Trail Signage

Genesee

CD

November 2006 - Headwaters Trail created the first canoe access site in the upper Shiawassee River (headwaters of the Saginaw River). This project created interpretive signage for a “water trail” that stretches from Holly to
Fenton. The signage package included planning, construction and it addressed way-finding panels, as well as guideposts, markers, and maps delineating water features. The fact that this is a tributary to Saginaw Bay and a significant part of the watershed was addressed. A Trail brochure and a website supported this
implementation activity. WIN funds supported signage and brochure design and sign fabrication.

November 2005 - The purpose of this project was to determine the amount and types of wetland habitat that are required to support the nutritional needs of spring migrant birds. The project produced a planning tool/methodology that assists biologists in conducting a more accurate and cost effective determination of habitat priorities in the Great Lakes region generally, and in the Saginaw Bay Region specifically.

Understanding the Fate of Contaminants in the Pine River

Saginaw

CD

May 1999 - SVSU used this grant to kick start a new program to allow environmental chemistry students to monitor the Pine River’s ecosystem over the next 10 years. The Pine River at St. Louis is heavily contaminated with DDT and other toxic compounds. The area has been designated a Super Fund site. The project will allow students to monitor levels of contaminants in the river system as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality clean up the site. The program will provide a safe “hands on” learning experience for students. This seed funding will allow SVSU to implement the program during the first year, after which it will be self-sustaining through the environmental chemistry program. The project is not intended to produce data for any regulatory or enforcement purposes. However, the data will be available to people interested in the remediation of the Pine River.

University Center Trail

Saginaw

CD

November 2007 - The project requested initial cash investment in a proposed non-motorized trail between Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. This trail appeared as a priority in the Saginaw/Bay/Midland Greenways plan that was funded by WIN in 2005. The funding will match additional grants that are required for this $1.5 million non-motorized route.

Urban Gardening

Saginaw

CD

May 2004 - The Saginaw County MSU Extension office (Family Nutrition and 4H Youth Programs) worked with the Saginaw Family Child Care Network and other community organizations to establish cooperative gardens for SFCCN homes, neighborhood homes and other community sites. The objective of the project was to teach nutrition principles around the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing the availability and access to fresh produce, instilling pride in community areas, and building relationships between community groups and agencies working with the community gardening program

Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring, Support & Training

Midland, Saginaw

CD, WM

The purpose of this project was to educate, train, and assist community and school watershed groups to conduct water quality testing in the watershed. The project spun off of two ongoing projects on Midland’s Sturgeon Creek and an effort being facilitated by Saginaw Public Schools. As part of this project, a watershed database and website was developed for housing existing data, and for making the data available to the general public. Steps were taken to standardize the procedures used by watershed groups to ensure quality and consistency in the results. The project was designed to be a model that SVSU can use throughout the Saginaw Basin.

Water Tunnel

Midland

CD, WM

The Midland Conservation District built a “water tunnel” similar to the WIN-funded Earth Tunnel that was built in 1999. The Water Tunnel is a traveling display that will provide an inside and outside view of water quality, its sources and causes of impairments. The design of the tunnel demonstrates the sources and causes of pollutants created by improper land use practices. It also discusses how impairments can be improved. The Water Tunnel gives visitors a view of good and bad stream management techniques and the impact that both have on life forms in the streams and on the surrounding land.

West Genesee Natural Area

Lapeer

CD, LM

The City of Lapeer has carefully planned for a 35 acre natural area within its city limits at the site of the former Lapeer State Home. This plan was developed by the City of Lapeer and a volunteer citizens committee. The primary purpose of the project was to preserve habitat and make the site available for wildlife and ecology education. Specifically, the project involved the expansion of wetlands, the installation of a boardwalk, and the installation of an observation deck and mound. The site is adjacent to an SVSU charter school, and is a short walk from Mott University.

Wheelchair Accessible Duck Blind / Photography Platform

Shiawassee

CD

This project was sponsored by the Shiawassee Flats Advisory Council and was a collaboration of the Michigan Duck Hunters Association, Ducks Unlimited, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. This project involves the construction of a 5’ x 10’ wheel-chair accessible duck blind / photography platform at the shore of the Wahl Road Marsh at the Shiawassee River State Game Area (SRSGA). This project will promote the use of this particular site by hunters, educators, and photographers.

Wood Ducks in the Watershed

Watershed Wide

CD, LM

November 2000 - Bob Kraut, fifth grade teacher at Bay City’s Washington Elementary School, developed this innovative program designed to teach youth about wildlife and the outdoors. Through the Wood Ducks in the Watershed project, fifth graders build and place approximately 60 wood duck nesting boxes per year on area public and private lands. High school students from Bay City Western and Bay City Central high schools are mapping, repairing, and collecting data from the boxes. Information that students collect is passed on to local and state agencies for statistical research purposes. This is an ongoing project that is funded outside of the school budget.